BMW i4 audio review: The Harman Kardon audio upgrade!

BMW i4 audio review: The Harman Kardon audio upgrade! | TotallyEV

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The BMW i4 is available with different audio configurations; in this review, we take a look at the upgraded Harman Kardon system - watch the video to see how it compares to its rivals!
Find the best BMW i4 deals: locally.link/hrHq
Review of the BMW i4 audio system: totallyev.net/bmw-i4-audio-re...
Full review of the BMW i4: totallyev.net/bmw-i4-review-i...
Our favourite dash cams: totallyev.net/best-dash-cam/
Buy a car phone mount on Amazon (Affiliate link): locally.link/ZFZf
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Other audio systems referenced in this video:
Tesla Model 3 premium audio system: totallyev.net/tesla-model-3-a...
Polestar 2: totallyev.net/polestar-2-audi...
Audi e-tron GT: totallyev.net/audi-e-tron-gt-...
Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin: totallyev.net/volvo-xc40-audi...
BMW iX3: totallyev.net/bmw-ix3-audio-r...
Bentley Bentayga: totallyev.net/bentley-bentayg...
Porsche Taycan: totallyev.net/porsche-taycan-...
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Music by Priya Jaye, titled 'Falling': • Priya Jaye - Falling (...
Buy Priya's song from Amazon (Affiliate link): locally.link/FZAy
Equipment used to film this review:
Fujifilm XT-4 (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/U17l
Zoom H1n recorder (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/MFHp
Shure MVL mic (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/6K8G
Video timestamps:
Audio configuration: 00:00
Connectivity & EQ: 02:14
Cabin noise: 03:24
Sound demo: 04:18
Bass: 05:19
Mids: 05:57
Highs: 06:32
Soundstage: 07:00
Verdict: 07:42
#BMW
#BMWi4
#HarmanKardon
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Пікірлер: 92

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Find the best BMW i4 deals: locally.link/hrHq Review of the BMW i4 audio system: totallyev.net/bmw-i4-audio-review-the-harman-kardon-audio-upgrade/ Full review of the BMW i4: totallyev.net/bmw-i4-review-is-the-i4-edrive40-better-than-the-i4-m50/ Video timestamps: Audio configuration: 00:00 Connectivity & EQ: 02:14 Cabin noise: 03:24 Sound demo: 04:18 Bass: 05:19 Mids: 05:57 Highs: 06:32 Soundstage: 07:00 Verdict: 07:42

@danielsamuelsen611 2 жыл бұрын

The i4 has a 17 speaker system, over the 16 speaker system in the normal 4 series. The box in the boot is a subwoofer, which is there due to the lack of subwoofers under the front seats. Cause here the battery is under there. So to compensate there is a set of low-frequency speakers in the bottom of the front doors and a sub in the boot. Since the subwoofer need more power the amplifier at 535-watts, over the 464 -watts in the normal 3 and 4 series :)

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the information, but where did you attain it from? As per the video, you'll see variety of sources, including BMW and HK which both suggest otherwise (in terms of wattage)!

@dirtydeeds2012 10 ай бұрын

On the actual sound test what level was the volume set at?

@tomhertsens1718 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I was at the start a bit disappointed about the sound. After changing the setting according to your recommendation, it sounds much better!

@TotallyEV Жыл бұрын

Really pleased to hear that, glad I could help!

@gavinryan4166 2 жыл бұрын

According to my order form, the Harmon Kardon system in Australian ordered cars (option number 688 within the Executive Package Z1B, which is the only way you can option the audio upgrade here) is 535 W with 9 channels and 17 speakers. I can't confirm which box is under the boot floor - amp or subwoofer - as I'm still waiting for delivery! My money would be on it being the amp, though. Thanks for the review, most encouraging for a classical music lover!

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing, thank you for sharing the info - glad you liked the review too!

@johnmytroen6473 2 жыл бұрын

I've found the Harman Kardon system is one of the best system's I've heard. Enjoy it a lot.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you did! What other systems have you tried?

@FilipCools 2 жыл бұрын

I am currently enjoying the Burmester Sound system in my E-Class (2019 model) a lot. Wondering how this would compare with the Harman Kardon of the i4?

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Not tired that particular setup, so can't comment, sorry!

@gregmiller9957 2 жыл бұрын

You have two reviews now that claim the Model 3 is quieter in the interior than the i4. I've watched every single English review of this car and no other review backs this up and in fact it's common in these reviews to talk about how much quieter the i4 is than the Model 3. Sorry to be a dick but this doesn't match with anything anyone else is saying about this car.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Greg, we cannot comment on how other reviewers test their vehicles but we do trust our own testing methodology with sound meter reading to back up our claims. Out of curiosity, do others conduct dedicated audio reviews of each vehicle they review?

@SuperHumhum 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. Bjorn Nyland does also tests with a sound meter and much more detailed with all the needed information provided like tyre size, width and other stuff. And his detailed testings reveal that the i4 has less noise.

@gregmiller9957 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV I'm trying to find the part of the Bjorn Nyland review where he uses the sound meter and compares it to the model 3. Once I do I'll post it to you. Having a quiet interior is really important to me and part of the reason I bought the i4 or the model 3

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

@@gregmiller9957 again, can't comment on how other reviewers test and/or their results. Nevertheless, both cabins are quiet, just the Tesla is just that bit more quieter; you shouldn't worry!

@gregmiller9957 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV okay...thank you for your audio review. We get this stereo with our car too.

@GTI_CHHA 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review, thanks. The H&K upgrade on i40 seems a no brainer.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Pleasure and indeed, a great upgrade!

@rggb5876 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Chris! I have adopted your settings and am very satisfied. You really have a clue and dare to recommend settings.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Really pleased it could help you; how are you finding the system?

@rggb5876 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV , I consider it to be good value for the money.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

@@rggb5876 as in the system or the vehicle itself?

@rggb5876 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV , both. 😁

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Haha!

@filiped7298 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. The i4 looks 👍

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

@MrBazsi888 2 жыл бұрын

my experience in through my headphones: nice surround feel, delicated mid range, but bass seems bloated.

@dunaigeorge7264 11 ай бұрын

Much better than my 3 series 😅

@TotallyEV 11 ай бұрын

🙌

@techpulseYT Жыл бұрын

H/K in the i4 is certainly better than in the standard combustion 4 series. H/K is by no means bad but it isn’t phenomenal… and the logic 7 thing has too much of an impact on the mid range, it feels as if it cuts itself back a bit. I’ve got an OEM location Audison System in my vehicle, amplified using the 8 channel Audison Amp, with the active sub from them, and it’s streets ahead in terms of quality, power and adjustability of course. It’s excellent!! I know it’s not a manufacturer choice but finding a vehicle with an Audison system and reviewing it may be good!!

@TotallyEV Жыл бұрын

Don't think they exist in an EV yet, but thanks for the suggestion.

@layseebalsam 2 жыл бұрын

Not much meaning with watts out of loudspeakers. It's about how the amplifier copes with lower impedance. Nice review though, and very nice car. Keep it up!

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Indeed, watts isn't an end-all but still an indication of total power output. Glad you liked the review!

@CaptGuyUSMC 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, Novice question here... what is the best audio source and connection for sound quality? Saved music on iTunes connected via Car Play? Bluetooth? Streamed music via Spotify or Pandora? I think I heard that the i4 doesnt have an AUX jack, correct?

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, yes the best would be over USB - and indeed there's no AUX input on the i4

@dirtydeeds2012 10 ай бұрын

The polestar is 600w h/k and this h/k 464w ,and this is louder better?so what makes that work ,the fact the i4 has more speakers?im a novice and always took the watt output as more is louder. Great review.

@TotallyEV 10 ай бұрын

Wattage isn't always the best indicator of quality. Speaker quality and placement is just as important if not more. Hope that helps?

@dirtydeeds2012 10 ай бұрын

How this system with power/punch compared to bose mazda and ford b&o systems?cheers

@TotallyEV 10 ай бұрын

Far superior.

@kevinschouten7582 Жыл бұрын

Hey man, you say for the equaliser 500hz and 1khz at 0 but your equaliser shows 500hz at +1 if i am not mistaken? ;) Btw, nice review!

@kevinschouten7582 Жыл бұрын

Not sure if you have to look at the middle line and set it from there or adjust it from the default settings? Ive set it to the same curves as displayed on your screen :D

@TotallyEV Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Suggest reading the review and seeing the graph + EQ.

@Nick_Smith1970 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review Chris. I'm about to irder the i4 edrive 40, and have specc'd the stock system for budget reasons. I currently own a 2019 435d with the Harmon Kardon, and think it's good, but most of my music is MP3, and radio, so not the best quality audio anyway. I'm not really an audiophile, but don't want to be disappointed with the stock system. Would BMW put a crappy system in their latest model, or would it suit 90% of people anyway? Also, does it affect the Iconic Sounds?

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the review! You'll be surprised as to how poor many stock systems sound - and indeed, that includes expensive vehicles (be it EVs or not); think you'll be left disappointed given what you're coming from. As for the Iconic Sounds, you'll need to check the specs - but think this comes included regardless of the system you choose.

@Nick_Smith1970 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV £820 though 😯😭

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Indeed, but think of it this way: if you ever wanted to upgrade in the future, you might need to spend 2-3x that amount via a third party supplier. Totally understand that £820 is a lot of money, but in the grander scheme of things, it's a bargain for what you're getting - by all means, if you can demo both systems to see what works best for you!

@Nick_Smith1970 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV 👍

@Nick_Smith1970 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV Well you convinced me. I saw sense and put my order in with the Harmon Kardon. I'm sure I'll be happy. Info for the viewers, I specc'd mine up with the M Sport Pro pack, with 19" wheels, in Portimao Blue (looks gorgeous), the Comfort Plus pack for the memory seats, Alcantara Seats (not as sticky in summer), Harmon Kardon, and the Tow Bar. All came to £60,370. Then Knights BMW in Stoke on Trent, knocked off just over £1100. So don't always go by the price on the configurator. 😎

@SmaRTrxxv Жыл бұрын

interesting with your noise measurements... Almost every other test I've seen has the i4 significantly more quit that exactly the Tesla 3

@TotallyEV Жыл бұрын

Can only go based on the objective data gathered.

@retropenguin49 2 жыл бұрын

Is the i4 M50 system better or Polestar 2 ? Debating between the 2 cars.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Would say so, yes. They're certainly very similar but the Polestar 2 system doesn't seem to be as competent in the mids as the i4's one!

@richardgray1601 2 жыл бұрын

You mentioned that certain markets have the HiFi system...which markets would those be? Here in the US I'm debating the whether spending $1,000 (roughly £800) for what would only be a modest upgrade to the Harmon Kardon is worthwhile as I'm only planning on leasing the vehicle for a couple of years. Thanks for your reviews!

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

As mentioned in the video, the upgrade is definitely worthwhile, but then that's totally up to you should you to get it! As for the markets, it would seem the US and Germany have the middle spec system, but that's going off information we found on forums.

@vakeesan 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV Hey Chris, I was tinkering around with the UK configurator and I noticed that on the M Sport Pro package, it lists Hi-Fi speakers as part of the package. Have you heard of this before? If true, I'm thinking of forgoing the tech pack/HK upgrade and just keeping the M Sport Pro package

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Must be new! Not tried that audio system, so can't comment, sorry!

@hotrod182 2 жыл бұрын

So overall, how does this system compare to the Model 3. Is it inferior??

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Better lows, but mids aren't as forward sounding.

@hotrod182 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV And the treble comparison, and sound stage?

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

@@hotrod182 on-par with the highs and the soundstage is similar, but if we had to pick the Model 3 would take the edge. Suggest watching both reviews! Tesla premium audio: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Zs6KoNKrrsXXm6M.html Tesla standard audio: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pqefZ6iB2tC5qn0.html

@gummibear654 2 жыл бұрын

Today i try to connect my Samsung Galaxy s21 FE over Bluetooth and Wireless Android. When i hear music with Spotify Android there is no bass and it sound very bad. But when i hear music over Radio it sound better. Why is that so?

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure, shouldn't be the case.

@NeutralGenericUser Жыл бұрын

You're literally the first reviewer I've ever seen claim that the Tesla Model 3 is quieter than the BMW i4 (3:45). Something seems off here.

@TotallyEV Жыл бұрын

And also literally the only reviewer who not only conducts dedicated audio reviews of every vehicle in for review, but also takes objective sound measurements!

@user-uc2rt8fc2l 2 жыл бұрын

Is it better than sound system in model Y or 3?

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Not quite, but better in the sub-bass tones!

@jensgreve2064 2 жыл бұрын

I love the BMW i4, but the HK system is a bit disappointing. It is much better than previous audio system in BMW, but it is inferior to the audio in Tesla model 3 LR and the Harman kardon in Volvo XC60 . The best out there is still the B&W system in Volvo XC60, but at a price of 4.000 EUR.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

Indeed the M3 LR does have the upper hand in the mids department, and as for the Volvo, agreed - that premium system is something special!

@MrBazsi888 2 жыл бұрын

Are you really saying that the i4 m50 has a better music-rig built-in than eDrive40 with Harman-Kardon add-on audio system?

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

No, you might have misunderstood. The upgraded system is identical on both vehicles.

@MrBazsi888 2 жыл бұрын

@@TotallyEV Ok, very kind. Thanks. Could you please tell me if i4HarmanKardon or Polestar2 has better sound overall ? Thanks.

@TotallyEV 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBazsi888 the i4 would take the edge! Would suggest you read or watch our reviews, so that you can understand the differences between the two systems.